The transfer window may have long closed, with Jon Walters immediate future at Town being confirmed, but some questions remain regarding his long term future. Darren isnt entirely convinced by the statements issued by both player and club.
Much was written about Jon Walters future over the course of the summer.
At one point, it seemed almost certain that he was going to be leaving, with bids apparently made by Stoke, his family moving back up North, Walters being sent away to get his head together and having supposedly made a transfer request.
Yet, its whats been said since the transfer window closed which has put most doubt in my mind.
As we all know, Walters stayed and is starting to slowly but surely show the form that made him our current player of the season. In an interview for the matchday programme, he went out of his way to calm fans concerns and explain what happened through the summer and how he still wants to be an Ipswich player. But that interview just seemed to further confuse the matter.
Walters states that he didnt ask for a transfer. Simply, his wife moved back up north to give birth, which, given ipswich were travelling around for pre-season, made some sense. Then, with Walters clearly distracted, the club instructed him to take two weeks off to be with her. They gave him a training programme to enable him to keep up with pre-season training whilst away from his teammates. He then returned to training, thanked his manager for the time off and then got back on with things.
All of which is more than reasonable and certainly would, on the face of it, go a long way to calming fans fears. Yet, there are some answered questions.
Why was there such enormous speculation regarding his future, both in the Ipswich and Stoke press, with the club refusing to make an outright denial? (instead simply denying there had been an "official" bid)
Why couldnt Walters have simply denied the stories if there was nothing in them? The player himself claims that, what with the birth of his child and then the season starting, he didnt have a chance to put his own side of the story. Yet it takes two minutes to make a phone call to his agent and get him to release a simple statement saying "Jon isnt going anywhere". Yet that didnt happen.
And why did Chesters chairman say that he was told by the players agent that Walters future was totally up in the air? Particularly given that Walters himself stated that when he was away from the club for those two weeks, he trained with Chester themselves? Couldnt the Chester chairman have easily got the truth from the player himself if he wasnt going anywhere?
Of course, its all speculation and cynicism maybe, but things dont appear to have been as straightforward as they have been painted. It seems our player of the year may have been a lot closer to leaving than perhaps has been suggested. We can only hope that there are not renewed attempts to sign him in January.
Showing posts with label Rivals- Darren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rivals- Darren. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Monday, 1 September 2008
Deadline Disappointment
So, the transfer window is all but closed. The long expected arrival of a big name forward didnt quite materialise and Darren is very disenchanted to be left with Jon Stead.
The list of potential targets has been huge and often repeated, but its worth doing so again- Emile Mpenza, Shola Ameobi, Angelos Charisteas, David Nugent, David Healy, Shola Ameobi again and others that have no doubt escaped me.
So, which one did we get? Did we manage to secure a better alternative maybe? No, we got Jon Stead.
This time last year, he would have been exactly the kind of signing we would have been aiming for and would probably have been welcomed as a player with potential that hasnt quite been realised. One for Jim and the gang to try and turn into a key player for us.
But after the raising of expectations, the determination to strive for better players, those that will really take us to that elusive "next level" that Jim so often speaks of, Jon Stead is definitely not in line with that. In fact, given all the rhetoric and failed transfer attempts of the previous few months, he looks like being the player that signifies the worst case scenario for Jim.
Nothing against the player himself, he may do quite well for us, but it does seem as if Jim has spent all summer aiming clearly too high, only to come well short and therefore find himself with nobody as the transfer window shuts. Thus, faced with ending up with absolutely nothing and having already shipped Alan Lee out for pastures new, Jim has taken up one of the few attainable options left at this short notice. The fact that Stead is here on loan seems to demonstrate the stop-gap nature of this move.
Maybe there is a big deal to come in the loan market next week. But the season is already a month old and we still seem to be searching for that elusive forward- a search that started back in January. I hope Jim doesnt regret not scaling down his aspirations a bit earlier, rather than being forced to rush things when theres nothing else left to buy.
The list of potential targets has been huge and often repeated, but its worth doing so again- Emile Mpenza, Shola Ameobi, Angelos Charisteas, David Nugent, David Healy, Shola Ameobi again and others that have no doubt escaped me.
So, which one did we get? Did we manage to secure a better alternative maybe? No, we got Jon Stead.
This time last year, he would have been exactly the kind of signing we would have been aiming for and would probably have been welcomed as a player with potential that hasnt quite been realised. One for Jim and the gang to try and turn into a key player for us.
But after the raising of expectations, the determination to strive for better players, those that will really take us to that elusive "next level" that Jim so often speaks of, Jon Stead is definitely not in line with that. In fact, given all the rhetoric and failed transfer attempts of the previous few months, he looks like being the player that signifies the worst case scenario for Jim.
Nothing against the player himself, he may do quite well for us, but it does seem as if Jim has spent all summer aiming clearly too high, only to come well short and therefore find himself with nobody as the transfer window shuts. Thus, faced with ending up with absolutely nothing and having already shipped Alan Lee out for pastures new, Jim has taken up one of the few attainable options left at this short notice. The fact that Stead is here on loan seems to demonstrate the stop-gap nature of this move.
Maybe there is a big deal to come in the loan market next week. But the season is already a month old and we still seem to be searching for that elusive forward- a search that started back in January. I hope Jim doesnt regret not scaling down his aspirations a bit earlier, rather than being forced to rush things when theres nothing else left to buy.
Monday, 11 August 2008
Campo Signs! But wheres does he play?
After a fairly relaxed transfer deal, in comparison to the sagas which other recent signings have turned into, Ivan Campo has signed for Ipswich. A hugely experienced premiership player, but Darren is unsure as to where he will fit in Jim Magiltons plans.
Another signing, the squad is improved further, but where on earth does Ivan Campo fit in?
At Bolton he had become something of a hero playing in a holding midfield role over the last few years. Its a position which age holds little challenge for; reading the game and experience are key. The impact of Sylvain Legwinski on the Ipswich side in 06/07, providing similar qualities to the side (whilst also scoring goals), was so great that it earnt him the player of the year award.
But only a few short months ago, we bought Veliche Shumulikoski, a player with clear quality and potential, who operates in the exact same position. We also have something of a battle generally for the central midfield places with David Norris, Owen Garvan, Tommy Miller and Shumulikoski all competing for just two spots.
Perhaps, when away from home and looking to retain a bit of defensive stability, something which has clearly been lacking to date, the quality of Campo in front of the back four might just make a real difference.
Yet, Jim has spoken of his wish to bring in another central defender. Which perhaps points to Campo being used alongside Gareth McAuley in the back four. Campos quality and defensive-minded experience would suggest that he would fit very well into the role, in a similar way to Matt Hollands player of the year season at Ipswich in 2003. Yet, there are question marks over his pace which, when paired with McAuley might leave us with a lack of mobility. Yet, in home matches, when we usually dominate the opposition, maybe that lack of mobility wont be such a big problem and his ability to bring the ball forward comfortably will provide a real bonus to the side.
So, maybe thats it- perhaps Campo may well be a player for all seasons, a Mr. Versatile, playing in one role at home and another away from home. Jim has suggested for quite some time that he might have to look towards having one team at home and another away, such was the clear contrast between last years home and away performances.
In one way though, he will have a very similar impact to Sylvain Legwinski. His presence off the pitch is bound to be of immeasurable value to the squad and, in particular, to its younger players. Legwinski had a huge impact on the club off the pitch and if Campo provides anything similar then he will be adding real value.
Another signing, the squad is improved further, but where on earth does Ivan Campo fit in?
At Bolton he had become something of a hero playing in a holding midfield role over the last few years. Its a position which age holds little challenge for; reading the game and experience are key. The impact of Sylvain Legwinski on the Ipswich side in 06/07, providing similar qualities to the side (whilst also scoring goals), was so great that it earnt him the player of the year award.
But only a few short months ago, we bought Veliche Shumulikoski, a player with clear quality and potential, who operates in the exact same position. We also have something of a battle generally for the central midfield places with David Norris, Owen Garvan, Tommy Miller and Shumulikoski all competing for just two spots.
Perhaps, when away from home and looking to retain a bit of defensive stability, something which has clearly been lacking to date, the quality of Campo in front of the back four might just make a real difference.
Yet, Jim has spoken of his wish to bring in another central defender. Which perhaps points to Campo being used alongside Gareth McAuley in the back four. Campos quality and defensive-minded experience would suggest that he would fit very well into the role, in a similar way to Matt Hollands player of the year season at Ipswich in 2003. Yet, there are question marks over his pace which, when paired with McAuley might leave us with a lack of mobility. Yet, in home matches, when we usually dominate the opposition, maybe that lack of mobility wont be such a big problem and his ability to bring the ball forward comfortably will provide a real bonus to the side.
So, maybe thats it- perhaps Campo may well be a player for all seasons, a Mr. Versatile, playing in one role at home and another away from home. Jim has suggested for quite some time that he might have to look towards having one team at home and another away, such was the clear contrast between last years home and away performances.
In one way though, he will have a very similar impact to Sylvain Legwinski. His presence off the pitch is bound to be of immeasurable value to the squad and, in particular, to its younger players. Legwinski had a huge impact on the club off the pitch and if Campo provides anything similar then he will be adding real value.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Slaves to Mercenaries
Ipswich continue to look to expand their playing staff, spreading the net quite widely trying to attract the requisite level of talent. But the club are finding themselves associated with the more mercenary end of the market. Darren thinks its inevitable.
Another week, another name.
But you cant argue that Ipswich Town Football Club appear to be chasing players with pedigree these days. Players that most fans have to acknowledge they have heard of before and know at least something about.
The club seem to have reached a bit of a cross-roads in terms of the players they are now in the market for. Previously, the clubs main avenue for new players was within the championship and below, searching for players with something to prove, or the ability that deserved to play at a higher level.
Now, we seem to be targeting an altogether more immediate market. We are looking at players who are already well established at this level or indeed at a level above. Which means we are starting to move into that altogether different world- that of the mercenary.
Inevitably, to attract a player of the quality we seem to be looking at, particularly if they are already comfortably employed at a higher level (or even, in some cases, at the same level), there needs to be something to attract them. The promise of a decent shot at promotion and Premiership football is not immediately enough for these players.
Money talks.
This is not the fault of the club in any way, its an unfortunate reflection of that particular market. Its something we would discover were we to win promotion and want to improve the squad to stay up. Only we are experiencing it a bit earlier as a result of the money at our disposal.
Despite the club themselves releasing relatively little information about the potential deals, there seems to be a steady stream of daily news about the players in question, no doubt circulated by a busy agent desperate to try and raise the profile of his client and attract the interests of other, higher paying, clubs.
First there was Emile Mpenza, where many Ipswich fans perhaps thought a deal was imminent. With hindsight, it appears it was never really all that close, but an agent busily readied the press with as much news as they needed. Then there was Angelos Charisteas, a player reportedly being offered a large wage and a deal which seems to have far more intent in it from the point of view of Ipswich Town. Yet stories perpetuated about the players reluctance to move to ipswich, his interest in a move to a fellow german side and then his interest in a move to england, all over a couple of weeks, before the player himself actually made any comment at all (he wants to stay where he is, thank you very much). Rudi Skacels fate has followed a similar path- he is definitely signing, hes off to speak to german clubs, hes having a think about his future, hes back at southampton, hes back at Ipswich again.
And were it not for the fact hes one of our own, Richard Wright would fall into the same category; so many words spoken, yet almost no discernable comment from the player himself at all. And thats over two summers aswell.
At the end of it all though, we perhaps have to acknowledge that, in order to compete in this market, get the players we want and, ultimately, win promotion, we are going to have to accept that some players really might only come here for the money. And if we do win promotion, nobody will really complain, will they?
Another week, another name.
But you cant argue that Ipswich Town Football Club appear to be chasing players with pedigree these days. Players that most fans have to acknowledge they have heard of before and know at least something about.
The club seem to have reached a bit of a cross-roads in terms of the players they are now in the market for. Previously, the clubs main avenue for new players was within the championship and below, searching for players with something to prove, or the ability that deserved to play at a higher level.
Now, we seem to be targeting an altogether more immediate market. We are looking at players who are already well established at this level or indeed at a level above. Which means we are starting to move into that altogether different world- that of the mercenary.
Inevitably, to attract a player of the quality we seem to be looking at, particularly if they are already comfortably employed at a higher level (or even, in some cases, at the same level), there needs to be something to attract them. The promise of a decent shot at promotion and Premiership football is not immediately enough for these players.
Money talks.
This is not the fault of the club in any way, its an unfortunate reflection of that particular market. Its something we would discover were we to win promotion and want to improve the squad to stay up. Only we are experiencing it a bit earlier as a result of the money at our disposal.
Despite the club themselves releasing relatively little information about the potential deals, there seems to be a steady stream of daily news about the players in question, no doubt circulated by a busy agent desperate to try and raise the profile of his client and attract the interests of other, higher paying, clubs.
First there was Emile Mpenza, where many Ipswich fans perhaps thought a deal was imminent. With hindsight, it appears it was never really all that close, but an agent busily readied the press with as much news as they needed. Then there was Angelos Charisteas, a player reportedly being offered a large wage and a deal which seems to have far more intent in it from the point of view of Ipswich Town. Yet stories perpetuated about the players reluctance to move to ipswich, his interest in a move to a fellow german side and then his interest in a move to england, all over a couple of weeks, before the player himself actually made any comment at all (he wants to stay where he is, thank you very much). Rudi Skacels fate has followed a similar path- he is definitely signing, hes off to speak to german clubs, hes having a think about his future, hes back at southampton, hes back at Ipswich again.
And were it not for the fact hes one of our own, Richard Wright would fall into the same category; so many words spoken, yet almost no discernable comment from the player himself at all. And thats over two summers aswell.
At the end of it all though, we perhaps have to acknowledge that, in order to compete in this market, get the players we want and, ultimately, win promotion, we are going to have to accept that some players really might only come here for the money. And if we do win promotion, nobody will really complain, will they?
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Building not tearing down
With stories circulating again about the future of player-of-the-year Jon Walters, there is understandable concern as to where he will play his football next season. Darren thinks there is nothing to worry about.
After a few stories in January about Jon Walters, it seems that they have re-emerged in earnest now that the summer has come around.
Back at the turn of the year, the club moved quickly to dispell any fears about the future of our star man by getting his signature on a new extended contract. But as with our own transfer interests, January is really the market place for desperate transfer activity amongst those clubs seeking to preserve/improve their status. The summer months are those where the real business is done.
Which is why clubs have now returned to try and make a concerted effort to get deals done. Whilst at present it remains only as speculation, it seems inevitable that somebody will rate Jon Walters as good enough to perform in their side in the Premier League.
This time last year, and in particular either of the two summers preceding that, the club would have probably wilted under the pressure. A big money sale would go a long way to balancing the books, whilst relying on the manager to turn up another bargain replacement from the lower leagues. With a particularly big sale, it might give the manager enough funds to bring in a couple of extra players.
But things have changed dramatically. Not only do we have an owner who has paid off all the clubs debts (at the moment), but he also seems to have a very clear and determined plan to get the club into the premiership. Equally, we have a manager who already has very ample transfer funds at his disposal, which he is so far using carefully.
There is no clear reason to sell a player of real worth to the side. In fact, quite the opposite- it would seem that only exceptional circumstances will force the clubs arm. Those circumstances being either an extraordinary bid, or an unhappy player. Faced with the latter, it is very difficult for the club to hold the player against his will. However, the signing of a new, extended contract just over 6 months ago indicates that the player himself shares the clubs own ambitions. Walters will be here at the start of the season.
After a few stories in January about Jon Walters, it seems that they have re-emerged in earnest now that the summer has come around.
Back at the turn of the year, the club moved quickly to dispell any fears about the future of our star man by getting his signature on a new extended contract. But as with our own transfer interests, January is really the market place for desperate transfer activity amongst those clubs seeking to preserve/improve their status. The summer months are those where the real business is done.
Which is why clubs have now returned to try and make a concerted effort to get deals done. Whilst at present it remains only as speculation, it seems inevitable that somebody will rate Jon Walters as good enough to perform in their side in the Premier League.
This time last year, and in particular either of the two summers preceding that, the club would have probably wilted under the pressure. A big money sale would go a long way to balancing the books, whilst relying on the manager to turn up another bargain replacement from the lower leagues. With a particularly big sale, it might give the manager enough funds to bring in a couple of extra players.
But things have changed dramatically. Not only do we have an owner who has paid off all the clubs debts (at the moment), but he also seems to have a very clear and determined plan to get the club into the premiership. Equally, we have a manager who already has very ample transfer funds at his disposal, which he is so far using carefully.
There is no clear reason to sell a player of real worth to the side. In fact, quite the opposite- it would seem that only exceptional circumstances will force the clubs arm. Those circumstances being either an extraordinary bid, or an unhappy player. Faced with the latter, it is very difficult for the club to hold the player against his will. However, the signing of a new, extended contract just over 6 months ago indicates that the player himself shares the clubs own ambitions. Walters will be here at the start of the season.
Monday, 16 June 2008
Fixture Excitement?
Today saw the launch of the fixture list, as the 2008/2009 season becomes something more tangible. Darren wonders what all the fuss is about.
So, the long wait is over- we finally know who we will be playing in the first game of the season (Its Preston, if you missed it)!
Yet forgive me for not sharing the sense of excitement that the fixture list seems to provide for a surprising number of fans.
A month ago, I knew exactly who we would be playing next season, and that we would be playing each and every one of them twice, home and away, without any exception.
So, knowing exactly WHEN we will be playing Norwich doesnt really make much difference to me.
If we want to win promotion, we need to win as many games as possible, and whether we think we are able to win the first or last game is largely irrelevant. The only real issue is whether any of the fixtures clash with a wedding or other cant-miss event.
Of course, its partly to do with fans looking to see if we are able to get off to a good start, whether we can make a strong finish to the season or other such considerations. Yet, its almost impossible to truly evaluate how good most of the sides will be, as the examples of Charlton and Hull last season demonstrate.
That said, in a month, I will be going through the fixture list with a fine toothcomb to try and plot our path to promotion......
So, the long wait is over- we finally know who we will be playing in the first game of the season (Its Preston, if you missed it)!
Yet forgive me for not sharing the sense of excitement that the fixture list seems to provide for a surprising number of fans.
A month ago, I knew exactly who we would be playing next season, and that we would be playing each and every one of them twice, home and away, without any exception.
So, knowing exactly WHEN we will be playing Norwich doesnt really make much difference to me.
If we want to win promotion, we need to win as many games as possible, and whether we think we are able to win the first or last game is largely irrelevant. The only real issue is whether any of the fixtures clash with a wedding or other cant-miss event.
Of course, its partly to do with fans looking to see if we are able to get off to a good start, whether we can make a strong finish to the season or other such considerations. Yet, its almost impossible to truly evaluate how good most of the sides will be, as the examples of Charlton and Hull last season demonstrate.
That said, in a month, I will be going through the fixture list with a fine toothcomb to try and plot our path to promotion......
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Transfer Blues
Even at this early stage, with most players and managers on holiday, attention diverted by a major international tournament, and a further two months before the season begins, transfer rumours are rampant. Darren takes a look at some of the players Ipswich have been linked with and whether we should get excited or not.
After a brief lull after the end of the season, in which we all probably thought about what might have been, or in some cases thought that we were probably better off with how things ended up anyway, Ipswich have already been linked with 20 or more plausible signings.
But whilst some bring some real excitement, others are quite underwhelming, something which, if they come to fruition, is likely to be a problem for fans salivating at the thought of big money signings.
Gareth McAuley seems to be the one player that the club have openly admitted to be chasing. Its probably good news, hes a very decent player at this level, Leicester fans seem to like him and he appears to be attracting the kind of interest and transfer fee that will help to reassure any doubters. It seems very likely it will come off, given Leicesters fairly fragile financial and playing status, aided to Jims apparent eagerness to get the deal done.
Inevitably, there is going to be a complete unknown. Thus far, that player is Pim Balkestein, a little known Dutch player, but one who falls into the right age range and right cost that, without any prior knowledge, most fans will be prepared to back the manager on. It may happen, it may not, but it doesnt look to be by any means the most significant move we make in the transfer market. That said, Velice Sumulikoski came with the same kind of background....
Carlos Bocanegra has flirted with attention and then disappeared again. An ageing but experienced centreback could, with the required quality, make a big difference to our defence. However, given that he is replacing another ageing but experienced centreback, its likely that some fans will be disappointed not to see a younger, quicker player replacing Jason De Vos.
And most recently, Kaspars Gorkss of Blackpool has come into the frame. A move widely speculated on for several months, but with very little substance, it eventually seems that the press have taken up the baton. Whether they are merely following the trend is something we have to wait and see on. Certainly, Gorkss recent pedigree in the Championship is well established, and with a cheap price tag, he seems like a very reasonable punt. However, his form prior to last season is undoubtedly something to be questioned- Are we really in a position to be taking gambles on players who may be able to step up for us? Is this not the time to go out and buy ready made quality?
The trend has clearly been towards Central Defenders. Its understandable as its our most striking area of squad weakness currently. There have been odd whispers about Goalkeepers and Forwards, but mainly defenders.
The striker search has so far only really managed to throw up the possibility of Emile Mpenza, a player of high quality, whos agent has evidently been doing an excellent job. Certainly, there have been plenty of words, none on behalf of the football club, but plenty on behalf of the player- that an offer from Ipswich is due, that a decision is imminent- yet nothing particularly concrete seems to have occurred. That said, it certainly seems that Ipswich have made enquiries, at the very least. It is a potential signing that promises a lot, but throws up frightening reminders of former star players appearing to unsettle the rest of the staff with their large wages and superstar lifestyle.
The goalkeeping speculation seems to be purely the domain of Thomas Sorensen and Richard Wright. With Sorensen seemingly keen on a transfer to a higher level club and apparently having offers on the table, it looks like a mercenary offer will be required to bring him to the club; assuming his agent isnt playing games. Richard Wright has equally managed to get his name in the frame again, a particularly admirable quality having, as yet, not managed to make any statement of interest in any direction thus far. It seems clear that the player is re-evaluating his options- his decision to move to West Ham has not resulted in first team football, whereas both ourselves and Tony Mowbrays West Brom, apparently, have made offers.
Indeed, West Brom look the most interesting option of all, as they deal with their own Premiership aspirations and potentially look to replace members of their Championship title-winning team. A Richard Wright move to West Brom would potentially leave the outstanding Dean Kiely weighing up his options. Whilst their moves in the striker transfer market may well leave Kevin Phillips thankful he didnt renew his contract......
After a brief lull after the end of the season, in which we all probably thought about what might have been, or in some cases thought that we were probably better off with how things ended up anyway, Ipswich have already been linked with 20 or more plausible signings.
But whilst some bring some real excitement, others are quite underwhelming, something which, if they come to fruition, is likely to be a problem for fans salivating at the thought of big money signings.
Gareth McAuley seems to be the one player that the club have openly admitted to be chasing. Its probably good news, hes a very decent player at this level, Leicester fans seem to like him and he appears to be attracting the kind of interest and transfer fee that will help to reassure any doubters. It seems very likely it will come off, given Leicesters fairly fragile financial and playing status, aided to Jims apparent eagerness to get the deal done.
Inevitably, there is going to be a complete unknown. Thus far, that player is Pim Balkestein, a little known Dutch player, but one who falls into the right age range and right cost that, without any prior knowledge, most fans will be prepared to back the manager on. It may happen, it may not, but it doesnt look to be by any means the most significant move we make in the transfer market. That said, Velice Sumulikoski came with the same kind of background....
Carlos Bocanegra has flirted with attention and then disappeared again. An ageing but experienced centreback could, with the required quality, make a big difference to our defence. However, given that he is replacing another ageing but experienced centreback, its likely that some fans will be disappointed not to see a younger, quicker player replacing Jason De Vos.
And most recently, Kaspars Gorkss of Blackpool has come into the frame. A move widely speculated on for several months, but with very little substance, it eventually seems that the press have taken up the baton. Whether they are merely following the trend is something we have to wait and see on. Certainly, Gorkss recent pedigree in the Championship is well established, and with a cheap price tag, he seems like a very reasonable punt. However, his form prior to last season is undoubtedly something to be questioned- Are we really in a position to be taking gambles on players who may be able to step up for us? Is this not the time to go out and buy ready made quality?
The trend has clearly been towards Central Defenders. Its understandable as its our most striking area of squad weakness currently. There have been odd whispers about Goalkeepers and Forwards, but mainly defenders.
The striker search has so far only really managed to throw up the possibility of Emile Mpenza, a player of high quality, whos agent has evidently been doing an excellent job. Certainly, there have been plenty of words, none on behalf of the football club, but plenty on behalf of the player- that an offer from Ipswich is due, that a decision is imminent- yet nothing particularly concrete seems to have occurred. That said, it certainly seems that Ipswich have made enquiries, at the very least. It is a potential signing that promises a lot, but throws up frightening reminders of former star players appearing to unsettle the rest of the staff with their large wages and superstar lifestyle.
The goalkeeping speculation seems to be purely the domain of Thomas Sorensen and Richard Wright. With Sorensen seemingly keen on a transfer to a higher level club and apparently having offers on the table, it looks like a mercenary offer will be required to bring him to the club; assuming his agent isnt playing games. Richard Wright has equally managed to get his name in the frame again, a particularly admirable quality having, as yet, not managed to make any statement of interest in any direction thus far. It seems clear that the player is re-evaluating his options- his decision to move to West Ham has not resulted in first team football, whereas both ourselves and Tony Mowbrays West Brom, apparently, have made offers.
Indeed, West Brom look the most interesting option of all, as they deal with their own Premiership aspirations and potentially look to replace members of their Championship title-winning team. A Richard Wright move to West Brom would potentially leave the outstanding Dean Kiely weighing up his options. Whilst their moves in the striker transfer market may well leave Kevin Phillips thankful he didnt renew his contract......
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Revolving Door
The process has begun. No sooner had we left Portman Road behind for another season, than Jim Magilton announced the list of players he is hoping to move on in the summer. Darren looks at whether they should be leaving at all.
With one player retiring, three senior players being released and a further five made available for transfer, it seems like something of a watershed in Jims career as Ipswich manager.
After two years putting together his first Ipswich Town side, the blueprint has been well and truly torn up, as Marcus Evans money has lifted aspirations much higher. The calibre of players being released or sold, several of them having been signed by Jim himself within these last two years, gives an indication of the level of player that might be travelling in the opposite direction into the club.
But are some of these players leaving before their calling at Ipswich? Are some of them still to make their mark?
Billy Clarke was one of the much vaunted young players who it was suggested would form the nucleus of the clubs future back in 2006 when finance was scarce. In the early days of Jim Magiltons reign, he looked like he might very well do just that, as some bright performances, coupled with goalscoring cameos from the substitutes bench, suggested a real talent. The player seemingly acknowleded himself that he thought he was well on his way to being a first team regular, before the goals dried up. And so did the confidence. Since then, rather as with Dean Bowditch, it seems to have been a case of finding a way to coax that confidence back out of him. But time and opportunities are slipping by, without any real improvement. It seems that it may just have run out for Billy. However, I would rather see him spend a season on loan elsewhere and see how things transpire. With a few goals under his belt, he could become a very good player.
Whilst Marcus Evans money means that we can afford to bring in new players, thus affecting Clarkes position in the first team, paradoxically it also means that we can afford to be a little more patient with our young players whilst they try to develop at another club, rather than feeling that we need to release them immediately for financial reasons.
Gavin Williams is a similar conundrum. This time last year, there would have been many Ipswich fans who would have said he was one of the most talented players at the club and could be a key player. However, as with Clarke, time appears to have finally caught up on Gavin. Quite simply, he hasnt delivered as often as required. This has mainly been the result of far too many injuries disrupting his career. Without the knee injury that kept him out of the early months of last season, its quite plausible he may have become the regular option on the left of midfield. But, since returning to fitness, he has struggled to recover any sort of form at all. Again, it seems that patience has finally worn out. Of course, his position as chief comedian amongst the playing staff has possibly speeded up this process- Williams attitude has been called into question on several occasions.
Its arguable that he might benefit from a full pre-season. Magilton himself acknowledged that when unfit at the start of 2001-2002, he spent the entire season trying to catch up with the fitness of everyone else who had enjoyed a full pre-season. But, his previous injury record and lack of form since returning to fitness might just have made that an argument Jim isnt prepared to get into.
Gary Roberts being transfer-listed has probably come of no surprise to anybody. Simply put, he just hasnt been good enough. The player made a huge jump to the Championship from League Two- full of confidence in those early months, he turned in good performances. Once that early confidence subsided, he struggled to find any sort of form and, without it, found himself a little out of place in the Championship. There is no doubt that he is a good, neat player, capable of striking a ball well and a good crosser of the ball, but his lack of pace and general quality marks him out as being a shade below what is needed in the Championship. He will make a good career for himself in League One.
Matt Richards is equally no surprise. A player who has played several different roles in his time at Ipswich, without ever quite managing to hold down one of them permanently. A neat player and a steady passer of the ball, he showed much of the Ipswich traditions that he had been brought up with. Inevitably, once the squad improved, he was going to find it increasingly hard to find a role. His spell at Brighton through most of this year has been largely succesful and he seems to be another player who will find himself more than at home in League One. In the future, it would be no surprise to see him back in the Championship again either.
Dan Harding has suffered from having a disastrous 2007/2008. This time last year, having been Jims first ever signing as a manager, he had been runner-up in the player of the year awards. After years of searching for a genuine left-footed left back, it seemed we had finally found one. A young player who had grown into his career at Ipswich, developing attacking instincts to add to his defensive ones, Harding looked destined to be at Ipswich for some years.This season has been in complete contrast. Nervy from the start, his confidence soon disappeared and mistakes crept in. Far from becoming an attacking force, his defensive abilities were being eroded. In essence, the away match at Charlton Athletic, or the first half in particular, marked the end of Hardings Ipswich career. He became something of a scapegoat for the teams poor performance. Yet, with a vast improvement from the defence in the second half, in particular from the player who had replaced him, Sito, it seemed that the decision had been justified. And so it remained.
Hardings biggest problem is his lack of versatility. Most players, when they lose their place in the team, can wait patiently for an opportunity, often from the bench. However, Ipswich last season boasted Sito, David Wright and Fabian Wilnis, all of which could play at left or right back, all of which offered better cover from the bench. And so he has been cast into the wilderness, from whence it seems he may not recover. With two of the above three having left, there will be a shortfall in left backs, but it seems inevitable that Jim will look to bring in a left back who can provide the level of competition and versatility that David Wright provides.
Of the three players released, Fabian and Sylvain have both been great players who have served the club brilliantly. Both have made real impacts on the club, but it was probably time for them to move on. Where Sito is concerned, he posesses the two aspects where Dan Harding has been found short- versatility and composure. Able to play comfortably in both full back positions, his ability on the ball as a footballer mark him out as a Jim Magilton style of player. His renaissance early in the new year, having replaced Harding was both heart warming and, on the basis of the performances he put in, richly deserved.
And yet, there has always been a suspicion that there is a mistake waiting to happen. To be fair to the player, the mistakes were minimal and he was very unfortunate to be the odd man out when Danny Simpson arrived on loan (though even that was after he put up a fight). It seems that there has always been a feeling that he might not be quite good enough, yet his performances post-christmas have largely shown otherwise. This is again perhaps an indication of where the club is going. It seems extremely unlikely that, without Marcus Evans money, Sito would be looking for a new club right now, so the decision to release him can only really be judged once his replacement has been brought in. Nonetheless, the player can count himself a little unlucky- he should find himself a career elsewhere in the Championship.
So, some minor surprises, but nothing too dramatic. Williams and Clarke could still forge Ipswich careers if given a bit of time. Both have shown talent and versatility, but both maybe need a run of games to recover it. Sito will be a decision that is debated for a while, pending the quality of his replacement. With the money available at the club, we could still perhaps take a gamble on them all coming good. But maybe Jim feels hes waited long enough.
Jaime Peters seems to be the pick of the bunch who got away with it this time.....
With one player retiring, three senior players being released and a further five made available for transfer, it seems like something of a watershed in Jims career as Ipswich manager.
After two years putting together his first Ipswich Town side, the blueprint has been well and truly torn up, as Marcus Evans money has lifted aspirations much higher. The calibre of players being released or sold, several of them having been signed by Jim himself within these last two years, gives an indication of the level of player that might be travelling in the opposite direction into the club.
But are some of these players leaving before their calling at Ipswich? Are some of them still to make their mark?
Billy Clarke was one of the much vaunted young players who it was suggested would form the nucleus of the clubs future back in 2006 when finance was scarce. In the early days of Jim Magiltons reign, he looked like he might very well do just that, as some bright performances, coupled with goalscoring cameos from the substitutes bench, suggested a real talent. The player seemingly acknowleded himself that he thought he was well on his way to being a first team regular, before the goals dried up. And so did the confidence. Since then, rather as with Dean Bowditch, it seems to have been a case of finding a way to coax that confidence back out of him. But time and opportunities are slipping by, without any real improvement. It seems that it may just have run out for Billy. However, I would rather see him spend a season on loan elsewhere and see how things transpire. With a few goals under his belt, he could become a very good player.
Whilst Marcus Evans money means that we can afford to bring in new players, thus affecting Clarkes position in the first team, paradoxically it also means that we can afford to be a little more patient with our young players whilst they try to develop at another club, rather than feeling that we need to release them immediately for financial reasons.
Gavin Williams is a similar conundrum. This time last year, there would have been many Ipswich fans who would have said he was one of the most talented players at the club and could be a key player. However, as with Clarke, time appears to have finally caught up on Gavin. Quite simply, he hasnt delivered as often as required. This has mainly been the result of far too many injuries disrupting his career. Without the knee injury that kept him out of the early months of last season, its quite plausible he may have become the regular option on the left of midfield. But, since returning to fitness, he has struggled to recover any sort of form at all. Again, it seems that patience has finally worn out. Of course, his position as chief comedian amongst the playing staff has possibly speeded up this process- Williams attitude has been called into question on several occasions.
Its arguable that he might benefit from a full pre-season. Magilton himself acknowledged that when unfit at the start of 2001-2002, he spent the entire season trying to catch up with the fitness of everyone else who had enjoyed a full pre-season. But, his previous injury record and lack of form since returning to fitness might just have made that an argument Jim isnt prepared to get into.
Gary Roberts being transfer-listed has probably come of no surprise to anybody. Simply put, he just hasnt been good enough. The player made a huge jump to the Championship from League Two- full of confidence in those early months, he turned in good performances. Once that early confidence subsided, he struggled to find any sort of form and, without it, found himself a little out of place in the Championship. There is no doubt that he is a good, neat player, capable of striking a ball well and a good crosser of the ball, but his lack of pace and general quality marks him out as being a shade below what is needed in the Championship. He will make a good career for himself in League One.
Matt Richards is equally no surprise. A player who has played several different roles in his time at Ipswich, without ever quite managing to hold down one of them permanently. A neat player and a steady passer of the ball, he showed much of the Ipswich traditions that he had been brought up with. Inevitably, once the squad improved, he was going to find it increasingly hard to find a role. His spell at Brighton through most of this year has been largely succesful and he seems to be another player who will find himself more than at home in League One. In the future, it would be no surprise to see him back in the Championship again either.
Dan Harding has suffered from having a disastrous 2007/2008. This time last year, having been Jims first ever signing as a manager, he had been runner-up in the player of the year awards. After years of searching for a genuine left-footed left back, it seemed we had finally found one. A young player who had grown into his career at Ipswich, developing attacking instincts to add to his defensive ones, Harding looked destined to be at Ipswich for some years.This season has been in complete contrast. Nervy from the start, his confidence soon disappeared and mistakes crept in. Far from becoming an attacking force, his defensive abilities were being eroded. In essence, the away match at Charlton Athletic, or the first half in particular, marked the end of Hardings Ipswich career. He became something of a scapegoat for the teams poor performance. Yet, with a vast improvement from the defence in the second half, in particular from the player who had replaced him, Sito, it seemed that the decision had been justified. And so it remained.
Hardings biggest problem is his lack of versatility. Most players, when they lose their place in the team, can wait patiently for an opportunity, often from the bench. However, Ipswich last season boasted Sito, David Wright and Fabian Wilnis, all of which could play at left or right back, all of which offered better cover from the bench. And so he has been cast into the wilderness, from whence it seems he may not recover. With two of the above three having left, there will be a shortfall in left backs, but it seems inevitable that Jim will look to bring in a left back who can provide the level of competition and versatility that David Wright provides.
Of the three players released, Fabian and Sylvain have both been great players who have served the club brilliantly. Both have made real impacts on the club, but it was probably time for them to move on. Where Sito is concerned, he posesses the two aspects where Dan Harding has been found short- versatility and composure. Able to play comfortably in both full back positions, his ability on the ball as a footballer mark him out as a Jim Magilton style of player. His renaissance early in the new year, having replaced Harding was both heart warming and, on the basis of the performances he put in, richly deserved.
And yet, there has always been a suspicion that there is a mistake waiting to happen. To be fair to the player, the mistakes were minimal and he was very unfortunate to be the odd man out when Danny Simpson arrived on loan (though even that was after he put up a fight). It seems that there has always been a feeling that he might not be quite good enough, yet his performances post-christmas have largely shown otherwise. This is again perhaps an indication of where the club is going. It seems extremely unlikely that, without Marcus Evans money, Sito would be looking for a new club right now, so the decision to release him can only really be judged once his replacement has been brought in. Nonetheless, the player can count himself a little unlucky- he should find himself a career elsewhere in the Championship.
So, some minor surprises, but nothing too dramatic. Williams and Clarke could still forge Ipswich careers if given a bit of time. Both have shown talent and versatility, but both maybe need a run of games to recover it. Sito will be a decision that is debated for a while, pending the quality of his replacement. With the money available at the club, we could still perhaps take a gamble on them all coming good. But maybe Jim feels hes waited long enough.
Jaime Peters seems to be the pick of the bunch who got away with it this time.....
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
The price is right?
Owen Garvan is the subjected of renewed speculation regarding a summer transfer. With the player yet to sign a new contract, Darren looks at his worth to the team.
Ipswich are now in a fairly unique position, both in terms of the football club itself and the league it plays in.
We do not need to sell players.
There are very few clubs in the Championship who could say the same with quite so much confidence. Indeed, its a rarity for Ipswich in recent years. So, now that we have a young, home-grown player with a bit of class, we actually have a choice to make should an offer come in for Owen Garvan.
It seems inevitable that some kind of offer will be forthcoming. Whilst he hasnt hit the heights that he showed at the tail-end of last season, it has been a succesful season for Garvan. Notable appearances for the under-age Ireland sides have led to the reward of a place in the full squad. He has, aside from a blip early in the new year, maintained a first team place in the championship for the entire season. Good things seem set to follow.
In keeping with this, the club have offered the player a new contract. At the time of writing, this remains unsigned. With talk of bids from Premiership sides in the summer, should Ipswich make big efforts to ensure he stays?
With the club under little pressure to sell, the real question is, do they want to? An unsigned contract offer, should it remain so, becomes a statement of intent. Of a player that is possibly looking for a future elsewhere. When the club needs all the quality it can get, it then leads to- Is Garvan of sufficient quality to be irreplaceable?
Currently, it is questionable. Is Garvan a priceless commodity who can win games single-handed? Is he able to turn a game in Ipswichs favour? Garvans value to Ipswich is such that, were he to leave, they would surely find a sufficient replacement elsewhere. In fact, by trading in the youth and promise that Garvan currently offers, they may well be able to replace him with someone who, with less years of his career remaining, might offer more experience and provide more of a finished product. In the world of the Championship, where escaping is the number one priority, it could even turn out to be an improvement. Danny Murphy, shortly to find himself in the Championship with Fulham, seems like a very obvious example in this instance. Equally, nobody has yet forgotten the instant impact that Sylvain Legwinski had upon signing for the club.
It remains to be seen how things transpire. Signing up one of ouy brightest young talents on a longer contract would be a very positive move for the club. But in these times when finance does not necessarily dictate, the alternative is actually quite positive aswell.
Ipswich are now in a fairly unique position, both in terms of the football club itself and the league it plays in.
We do not need to sell players.
There are very few clubs in the Championship who could say the same with quite so much confidence. Indeed, its a rarity for Ipswich in recent years. So, now that we have a young, home-grown player with a bit of class, we actually have a choice to make should an offer come in for Owen Garvan.
It seems inevitable that some kind of offer will be forthcoming. Whilst he hasnt hit the heights that he showed at the tail-end of last season, it has been a succesful season for Garvan. Notable appearances for the under-age Ireland sides have led to the reward of a place in the full squad. He has, aside from a blip early in the new year, maintained a first team place in the championship for the entire season. Good things seem set to follow.
In keeping with this, the club have offered the player a new contract. At the time of writing, this remains unsigned. With talk of bids from Premiership sides in the summer, should Ipswich make big efforts to ensure he stays?
With the club under little pressure to sell, the real question is, do they want to? An unsigned contract offer, should it remain so, becomes a statement of intent. Of a player that is possibly looking for a future elsewhere. When the club needs all the quality it can get, it then leads to- Is Garvan of sufficient quality to be irreplaceable?
Currently, it is questionable. Is Garvan a priceless commodity who can win games single-handed? Is he able to turn a game in Ipswichs favour? Garvans value to Ipswich is such that, were he to leave, they would surely find a sufficient replacement elsewhere. In fact, by trading in the youth and promise that Garvan currently offers, they may well be able to replace him with someone who, with less years of his career remaining, might offer more experience and provide more of a finished product. In the world of the Championship, where escaping is the number one priority, it could even turn out to be an improvement. Danny Murphy, shortly to find himself in the Championship with Fulham, seems like a very obvious example in this instance. Equally, nobody has yet forgotten the instant impact that Sylvain Legwinski had upon signing for the club.
It remains to be seen how things transpire. Signing up one of ouy brightest young talents on a longer contract would be a very positive move for the club. But in these times when finance does not necessarily dictate, the alternative is actually quite positive aswell.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Transfer Failings
At the business end of the season, for a side chasing promotion, one goal in three games is bad news. Darren thinks that the reason for the teams shortfall in front of goal is down to the manager.
It was inevitable.
Jim Magilton was quite clear that finding a forward was a priority in the January transfer window. He was quite clear that finding a forward was also a priority in the loan transfer window.
Both came and went and the club failed to bolster their squad sufficiently. Now, here we are just a few weeks later and the goals have dried up. As a result of this, so have the points.
At the end of january, we had three established forwards available to us- Jon Walters, Pablo Counago and Alan Lee. If either of the latter two got injured or lost form, then Jon Walters stepped into their shoes, moving from his midfield position to a forward role. But what happens when Jon Walters isnt fit? Then what happens when Pablo Counago is suspended? And then if Alan Lee suffers a chronic loss of form? There was no other alternative.
It could be construed that we were a little unfortunate to lose two forwards at the same time (plus short term fix, Shefki Kuqi), but when you know that the squad is short of forward options, its perhaps negligent not to be better prepared. Of course, the management will say they searched high and low, the proposed signing of David Nugent demonstrating some effort, but the fact remains that we were left short when we really needed it and we should have known better.
We wont get those games back again, and you wonder what Billy Clarke must be thinking, marooned on the substitutes bench in Falkirk whilst his employers go through a striker crisis.....
It was inevitable.
Jim Magilton was quite clear that finding a forward was a priority in the January transfer window. He was quite clear that finding a forward was also a priority in the loan transfer window.
Both came and went and the club failed to bolster their squad sufficiently. Now, here we are just a few weeks later and the goals have dried up. As a result of this, so have the points.
At the end of january, we had three established forwards available to us- Jon Walters, Pablo Counago and Alan Lee. If either of the latter two got injured or lost form, then Jon Walters stepped into their shoes, moving from his midfield position to a forward role. But what happens when Jon Walters isnt fit? Then what happens when Pablo Counago is suspended? And then if Alan Lee suffers a chronic loss of form? There was no other alternative.
It could be construed that we were a little unfortunate to lose two forwards at the same time (plus short term fix, Shefki Kuqi), but when you know that the squad is short of forward options, its perhaps negligent not to be better prepared. Of course, the management will say they searched high and low, the proposed signing of David Nugent demonstrating some effort, but the fact remains that we were left short when we really needed it and we should have known better.
We wont get those games back again, and you wonder what Billy Clarke must be thinking, marooned on the substitutes bench in Falkirk whilst his employers go through a striker crisis.....
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Miller Time?
Dropped points at home and a failure to score. With goals generally seeming harder to come by, despite the chances created, Darren feels that part of the problem might lie in the current central midfield partnership.
A critical weekend, but Ipswich drop points.
Its hard to blame the players too much, or the performance, since everything in the 0-0 draw with QPR was right except for that final vital ingredient. The goals to win the game.
With our two top scorers absent, plus the forward brought in as cover finding himself on the treatment table aswell, the failure to put the ball in the net is perhaps not all that surprising.
But, particularly taking the above into account, perhaps Magilton isnt helping things with his choice of central midfielders. Whilst he has seemed consistent in his strategy throughout the season, with one in a holding position and one pushing forward, his choice of players seems to be anything but.
For most of the first half of the season, Tommy Miller has been forced to play a holding midfield role in which he has not appeared altogether comfortable. With the signing of Velice Sumulikoski, the Macedonian took up this holding role, which finally freed Miller to the position that he has performed so well in the past for Ipswich. For much of February, the two players appeared to compliment each other, with Miller producing his best performances since returning to Ipswich.
However, the conundrum was, and is, Owen Garvan. An extremely talented player, capable of unlocking the best of defences, the current jewel in the crown of the academy (until he is inevitably sold), but out of the first team. So, where does he fit?
Clearly, the team selections this season demonstrate that the management do not think he is suitable for the holding role, something most fans would probably agree with. But, when given the emphasis to push forward, he is not instinctively a goal scorer, or even a goal threat. Two league goals from a largely attacking position (one of which being the arguable "fluke" against Charlton), is testament to this.
Maybe it could be argued that, with a full compliment of our varying attacking threats fit and available, his goal threat is not really so important when he can be such a creative threat instead. However, the team is currently shorn of its leading goalscorers and so the reliance on goals from elsewhere, notably its midfield, seems quite critical.
It seems that, wonderful player that he is, Garvan is not really the player best suited to either midfield role at this moment in time. With Sumulikoski seeming destined to make the defensive role his own, the time is right for Tommy Miller to return to the side and remind us of that goalscoring instinct which we need, and which we know he is truly capable of.
A critical weekend, but Ipswich drop points.
Its hard to blame the players too much, or the performance, since everything in the 0-0 draw with QPR was right except for that final vital ingredient. The goals to win the game.
With our two top scorers absent, plus the forward brought in as cover finding himself on the treatment table aswell, the failure to put the ball in the net is perhaps not all that surprising.
But, particularly taking the above into account, perhaps Magilton isnt helping things with his choice of central midfielders. Whilst he has seemed consistent in his strategy throughout the season, with one in a holding position and one pushing forward, his choice of players seems to be anything but.
For most of the first half of the season, Tommy Miller has been forced to play a holding midfield role in which he has not appeared altogether comfortable. With the signing of Velice Sumulikoski, the Macedonian took up this holding role, which finally freed Miller to the position that he has performed so well in the past for Ipswich. For much of February, the two players appeared to compliment each other, with Miller producing his best performances since returning to Ipswich.
However, the conundrum was, and is, Owen Garvan. An extremely talented player, capable of unlocking the best of defences, the current jewel in the crown of the academy (until he is inevitably sold), but out of the first team. So, where does he fit?
Clearly, the team selections this season demonstrate that the management do not think he is suitable for the holding role, something most fans would probably agree with. But, when given the emphasis to push forward, he is not instinctively a goal scorer, or even a goal threat. Two league goals from a largely attacking position (one of which being the arguable "fluke" against Charlton), is testament to this.
Maybe it could be argued that, with a full compliment of our varying attacking threats fit and available, his goal threat is not really so important when he can be such a creative threat instead. However, the team is currently shorn of its leading goalscorers and so the reliance on goals from elsewhere, notably its midfield, seems quite critical.
It seems that, wonderful player that he is, Garvan is not really the player best suited to either midfield role at this moment in time. With Sumulikoski seeming destined to make the defensive role his own, the time is right for Tommy Miller to return to the side and remind us of that goalscoring instinct which we need, and which we know he is truly capable of.
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Money is everything
We all know things have changed under Marcus Evans. Our chances of winning promotion are clearly improved, but Darren has found that the excuses when it happens are now fewer. Money is still everything, but for different reasons.
We all want promotion, dont we? We all want the club to be succesful. But we secretly worry that, if we do win promotion, we might become that years Derby, or Sunderland or, for those who still remember 1995, Ipswich.
Up until recently, the fear of a potential failure, and the mocking I would inevitably get from work colleagues, was mitigated by my ready-made excuse. I was all ready. It was like this-
"(Following Ipswich 0 Reading 3)
Mate- Ha, ha, see Ipswich took another beating at the weekend! Youre going down.
Me- Yeah, but it doesnt matter, really.
Mate- Of course it does, youre losing every week and bottom of the league.
Me- Sure, but youve got to look at the bigger picture.
Mate- Sorry? Youre bottom of the league, it doesnt get much worse?
Me- Actually, it does. You can be in administration and heavily in debt.
Mate- But thats all boardroom stuff, its what happens on the pitch that counts!
Me- Well, we have XXX million debt (adjust as necessary), which has been like a millstone round the neck of the club over the last five years or so. Just by being in the premiership, we are going to make so much money that we are going to finally be able to trim that debt significantly. Which means that, for the next five years, even if we are in the championship, we can finally be competitive again. Its something that will affect the whole future of the club. Without this money, we would just drift further and further away from where we want to be and it would be harder and harder to get back. Just being there to get the money is whats important, the results are secondary.
Mate- Oh right. Wish I hadnt asked."
Winning promotion was always important, but even if it went wrong and we went down, we knew that it would stop us from falling further and further adrift financially in the Championship. It would allow us to be competitive, which our attendances should allow.
But now, Marcus Evans has taken over and things have changed completely. How am I to deal with it now?
"(Following Ipswich 0 Reading 3)
Mate- Ha, ha, see Ipswich took another beating at the weekend! Youre going down.
Me- Yeah, but it doesnt matter, really.
Mate- Of course it does, youre losing every week and bottom of the league. Your new owner has made you competitive in the championship, but only on the proviso that you get promoted and that you start making money for him. His only reason for being involved with you is if you are in the premiership. If you get promoted but show that you are far short of the required standard and that there is a lot of work to be done, he might just get bored and leave you behind to try and get back into the premiership on your own. You need to be in the premiership to make sure you earn funds that make it worthwhile for him. Results are everything!
Me- Yeah, you are right, we are rubbish. Stop laughing at me."
Theres no excuse. We cant get promoted, be rubbish and go down, knowing that weve made a huge improvement to our finances. We have already had that, thank goodness for Marcus Evans.
Nope, if we are rubbish, we are just going to have to be thick-skinned and put up with it like every other fan!!
We all want promotion, dont we? We all want the club to be succesful. But we secretly worry that, if we do win promotion, we might become that years Derby, or Sunderland or, for those who still remember 1995, Ipswich.
Up until recently, the fear of a potential failure, and the mocking I would inevitably get from work colleagues, was mitigated by my ready-made excuse. I was all ready. It was like this-
"(Following Ipswich 0 Reading 3)
Mate- Ha, ha, see Ipswich took another beating at the weekend! Youre going down.
Me- Yeah, but it doesnt matter, really.
Mate- Of course it does, youre losing every week and bottom of the league.
Me- Sure, but youve got to look at the bigger picture.
Mate- Sorry? Youre bottom of the league, it doesnt get much worse?
Me- Actually, it does. You can be in administration and heavily in debt.
Mate- But thats all boardroom stuff, its what happens on the pitch that counts!
Me- Well, we have XXX million debt (adjust as necessary), which has been like a millstone round the neck of the club over the last five years or so. Just by being in the premiership, we are going to make so much money that we are going to finally be able to trim that debt significantly. Which means that, for the next five years, even if we are in the championship, we can finally be competitive again. Its something that will affect the whole future of the club. Without this money, we would just drift further and further away from where we want to be and it would be harder and harder to get back. Just being there to get the money is whats important, the results are secondary.
Mate- Oh right. Wish I hadnt asked."
Winning promotion was always important, but even if it went wrong and we went down, we knew that it would stop us from falling further and further adrift financially in the Championship. It would allow us to be competitive, which our attendances should allow.
But now, Marcus Evans has taken over and things have changed completely. How am I to deal with it now?
"(Following Ipswich 0 Reading 3)
Mate- Ha, ha, see Ipswich took another beating at the weekend! Youre going down.
Me- Yeah, but it doesnt matter, really.
Mate- Of course it does, youre losing every week and bottom of the league. Your new owner has made you competitive in the championship, but only on the proviso that you get promoted and that you start making money for him. His only reason for being involved with you is if you are in the premiership. If you get promoted but show that you are far short of the required standard and that there is a lot of work to be done, he might just get bored and leave you behind to try and get back into the premiership on your own. You need to be in the premiership to make sure you earn funds that make it worthwhile for him. Results are everything!
Me- Yeah, you are right, we are rubbish. Stop laughing at me."
Theres no excuse. We cant get promoted, be rubbish and go down, knowing that weve made a huge improvement to our finances. We have already had that, thank goodness for Marcus Evans.
Nope, if we are rubbish, we are just going to have to be thick-skinned and put up with it like every other fan!!
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Transformed Town
After the busy trading in the transfer window, the change in the clubs circumstances over Jim Magiltons management reign are unmistakeable. Darren assesses the upgrade of the playing personnel in this time.
Jim has benefitted in very recent times from a sudden injection of cash, allowing him to strengthen his squad further. However, its worth taking a moment to acknowledge the job that he and the board have done in the months and years prior to Marcus Evans takeover.
The squad is unrecognisable from that which Joe Royle left him with. Not just because Jim has simply gone and brought in his own players, but because the quality is clearly dramatically improved.
Its most evident in the case of the young players. In Joe Royles last season, he utilised the young players that had just won the FA Youth Cup. It has to be acknowledged that Joe himself said that some of these players were being used much earlier than he would have wished, simply because the options werent there from within the squad.
Players such as Shane Supple, Billy Clarke, Owen Garvan, Matt Richards, Danny Haynes and Dean Bowditch were all regulars in the first team squad during that 05/06 season. Yet, at this moment in time, four of those players are out on loan at lower league teams, whilst a fifth, Owen Garvan, finds himself on the bench currently.
Its not a bad thing. Joe was right- these young players need protecting and need nurturing. Its a measure of just how far we have come that the quality in the squad is so great that we can afford to send them out on loan, or use them sparingly, as they come to terms with the life of a professional footballer.
We are great at producing young players and its good that we are now able to complete their education in the way we would wish.
Jim has benefitted in very recent times from a sudden injection of cash, allowing him to strengthen his squad further. However, its worth taking a moment to acknowledge the job that he and the board have done in the months and years prior to Marcus Evans takeover.
The squad is unrecognisable from that which Joe Royle left him with. Not just because Jim has simply gone and brought in his own players, but because the quality is clearly dramatically improved.
Its most evident in the case of the young players. In Joe Royles last season, he utilised the young players that had just won the FA Youth Cup. It has to be acknowledged that Joe himself said that some of these players were being used much earlier than he would have wished, simply because the options werent there from within the squad.
Players such as Shane Supple, Billy Clarke, Owen Garvan, Matt Richards, Danny Haynes and Dean Bowditch were all regulars in the first team squad during that 05/06 season. Yet, at this moment in time, four of those players are out on loan at lower league teams, whilst a fifth, Owen Garvan, finds himself on the bench currently.
Its not a bad thing. Joe was right- these young players need protecting and need nurturing. Its a measure of just how far we have come that the quality in the squad is so great that we can afford to send them out on loan, or use them sparingly, as they come to terms with the life of a professional footballer.
We are great at producing young players and its good that we are now able to complete their education in the way we would wish.
Monday, 21 January 2008
Stage Three
With rumours once again circulating regarding Alan Lees future at Ipswich, it is perhaps an indication that the club will now need to show a new ruthlessness in the transfer market to improve the side.
The Jim Magilton Ipswich team has developed in stages. The first was something of a patch and mend job, involving immediate movement of expendable players who could generate income, such as Forster, Westlake and Parkin, and bringing in bodies on loan to bridge short term gaps in the squad, such as Macken, Noble and Walton.
The second phase involved bringing in players at affordable value who could be developed as long-term investments. Thus, Wright, Counago, Miller, Walters and Alexander were brought to the club. At the same time, other players who had proven harder to move on were gradually phased out, such as Richards and Currie.
Which brings us to Stage Three. The only way to further improve the side, is to make big changes to key areas of the side. In the past, finances have dictated that this approach has not really been possible. In order to replace and improve on an Alan Lee or a Jason DeVos, we have needed money that just hasnt been available. To replace these players, the first plan of action would have been to hope for an attractive offer for the player in question, which in turn would then provide the finance to go out and buy the replacement that was needed. There appeared to be some evidence over the summer that the amount we could afford to stretch to for Francis Jeffers was directly related to how much Hull were prepared to pay for Alan Lee first.
Now, thanks to Marcus Evans investment, thats no longer the case. We can afford to pay the transfer fees in our own right. We can afford to carry the player we no longer need until such time as we are able to offload him. No player can feel safe in the knowledge that they are a first choice unless they agree to leave.
This transfer window may be unlike any other Ipswich Town have been involved in.
The Jim Magilton Ipswich team has developed in stages. The first was something of a patch and mend job, involving immediate movement of expendable players who could generate income, such as Forster, Westlake and Parkin, and bringing in bodies on loan to bridge short term gaps in the squad, such as Macken, Noble and Walton.
The second phase involved bringing in players at affordable value who could be developed as long-term investments. Thus, Wright, Counago, Miller, Walters and Alexander were brought to the club. At the same time, other players who had proven harder to move on were gradually phased out, such as Richards and Currie.
Which brings us to Stage Three. The only way to further improve the side, is to make big changes to key areas of the side. In the past, finances have dictated that this approach has not really been possible. In order to replace and improve on an Alan Lee or a Jason DeVos, we have needed money that just hasnt been available. To replace these players, the first plan of action would have been to hope for an attractive offer for the player in question, which in turn would then provide the finance to go out and buy the replacement that was needed. There appeared to be some evidence over the summer that the amount we could afford to stretch to for Francis Jeffers was directly related to how much Hull were prepared to pay for Alan Lee first.
Now, thanks to Marcus Evans investment, thats no longer the case. We can afford to pay the transfer fees in our own right. We can afford to carry the player we no longer need until such time as we are able to offload him. No player can feel safe in the knowledge that they are a first choice unless they agree to leave.
This transfer window may be unlike any other Ipswich Town have been involved in.
Saturday, 22 December 2007
Make or Break Spell
The Christmas period is traditionally the proving ground for any promotion bid. If you come through it, you are in for the long haul. If you dont, you are drifting away to a midtable finish. Which is where we find Ipswich, heading into possibly the most important 4 game spell of the season.
As Buckie pointed out in his article a couple of weeks ago, our christmas fixture list looks to be some way decisive.
The Ipswich team of 2007/08 so far has been remarkably consistent, as we all know. Unable to lose at home, unable to win away. Yet the mitigation for both of these ailments could be given as being the fixtures faced thus far- easier fixtures at home, harder fixtures away. Which leads to the heartening conclusion that things can get better.
Our home form has been so good, that there is little fear of defeat to any side. Therefore, being left with all the divisions top sides to play at home should not pose as must of a worry as it ordinarily might. Similarly, our away form, whilst being poor results wise, has been fitful performance-wise. Thus, having the weak teams still to play could prove to give us that bit of luck to turn things around.
What better benchmark to the rest of the season than the next four fixtures? If we can come through home fixtures with away specialists Burnley and league leaders West Brom unscathed, then the home record will be looking extremely formidable. Similarly, as The Blues Journals current poll indicates, fans seem quite optimistic that the run of games without an away win is bound to fall at either Leicester or Coventry, both of which having been far than convincing.
Of course, if the results were not to go for the team in these fixtures, it could be devastating. In just over 10 days time, we could be facing up to the fact that the away record was continued even in the face of the most meagre opposition. Whilst the home form fell apart as soon as we played any teams of real strength.
Im a glass half full man though. 8 points from 4 games, followed by transfer activity which demonstrates belief in a real promotion attempt this season.
As Buckie pointed out in his article a couple of weeks ago, our christmas fixture list looks to be some way decisive.
The Ipswich team of 2007/08 so far has been remarkably consistent, as we all know. Unable to lose at home, unable to win away. Yet the mitigation for both of these ailments could be given as being the fixtures faced thus far- easier fixtures at home, harder fixtures away. Which leads to the heartening conclusion that things can get better.
Our home form has been so good, that there is little fear of defeat to any side. Therefore, being left with all the divisions top sides to play at home should not pose as must of a worry as it ordinarily might. Similarly, our away form, whilst being poor results wise, has been fitful performance-wise. Thus, having the weak teams still to play could prove to give us that bit of luck to turn things around.
What better benchmark to the rest of the season than the next four fixtures? If we can come through home fixtures with away specialists Burnley and league leaders West Brom unscathed, then the home record will be looking extremely formidable. Similarly, as The Blues Journals current poll indicates, fans seem quite optimistic that the run of games without an away win is bound to fall at either Leicester or Coventry, both of which having been far than convincing.
Of course, if the results were not to go for the team in these fixtures, it could be devastating. In just over 10 days time, we could be facing up to the fact that the away record was continued even in the face of the most meagre opposition. Whilst the home form fell apart as soon as we played any teams of real strength.
Im a glass half full man though. 8 points from 4 games, followed by transfer activity which demonstrates belief in a real promotion attempt this season.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Sitos Return
Amazing how football can be. One week you are sitting in the top 6, on the back of a 100& home record. A week later, and you are midtable, with the 100% record gone and all focus on your dismal away form. But for one person, this has been nothing but good news.
Luis Castro Sito has become the forgotten man of Portman Road. When he first signed for Ipswich, he was a breath of fresh air in a team struggling to cope with the failure to win promotion and the subsequent loss of its key players. He quickly endeared himself to Ipswich fans with his bright, energetic performances and his assured touch when in posession.
But then Joe Royle lost interest in him. Which wasnt a great problem, once Royle was replaced by Magilton. But very quickly, Magilton did likewise.
And since then, its been endless training with the odd reserve team match thrown in. Yet, the players attitude has, by all accounts, been exemplary. Whilst it has seemed inevitable that he would need to look for another club in the transfer window, there has been no dissent, no criticism of the manager, no lack of enthusiasm, just a willingness to keep on working, remain optimistic and hope.
That hope bore fruit last weekend when the seasons away form reached its nadir at Charlton. For everyone connected with the club it was the lowest point, yet for Sito it has proved to be a huge silver lining. A good performance in a much improved second half team performance has led him to win a place in the starting eleven. A further good performance against Leicester looks to have ensured he will keep that place.
The most unlikely of first team comebacks, but just on attitude alone, one of the most deserving.
How things can change. Jaime Peters will be watching nervously as Sito prepares to hand over that "forgotten man" title.
Luis Castro Sito has become the forgotten man of Portman Road. When he first signed for Ipswich, he was a breath of fresh air in a team struggling to cope with the failure to win promotion and the subsequent loss of its key players. He quickly endeared himself to Ipswich fans with his bright, energetic performances and his assured touch when in posession.
But then Joe Royle lost interest in him. Which wasnt a great problem, once Royle was replaced by Magilton. But very quickly, Magilton did likewise.
And since then, its been endless training with the odd reserve team match thrown in. Yet, the players attitude has, by all accounts, been exemplary. Whilst it has seemed inevitable that he would need to look for another club in the transfer window, there has been no dissent, no criticism of the manager, no lack of enthusiasm, just a willingness to keep on working, remain optimistic and hope.
That hope bore fruit last weekend when the seasons away form reached its nadir at Charlton. For everyone connected with the club it was the lowest point, yet for Sito it has proved to be a huge silver lining. A good performance in a much improved second half team performance has led him to win a place in the starting eleven. A further good performance against Leicester looks to have ensured he will keep that place.
The most unlikely of first team comebacks, but just on attitude alone, one of the most deserving.
How things can change. Jaime Peters will be watching nervously as Sito prepares to hand over that "forgotten man" title.
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